Social Validity of a Behavioral Intervention for Children With Autism: A Mixed-Methods Study

• In Event: 18.073 - Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: 18.073-12 - Special Education Research SIG Poster Session

Abstract

The goals, treatments, and outcomes of a behavioral intervention must be socially meaningful and acceptable for participants and stakeholders to achieve optimal results. This mixed methods study evaluated the social validity of a naturalistic behavioral intervention for children with autism from the perspective of the children’s parents. Three parents of children who participated in the behavioral intervention completed a questionnaire and took part in a semi-structured interview. The quantitative data indicated that the intervention was socially meaningful and acceptable, and the qualitative data provided insights into why the parents viewed the intervention as socially meaningful and acceptable. Combined, these data suggest that what is implemented in an intervention is complemented by how it is implemented and by whom.

Authors

• Emily Ogilvie, Victoria University of Wellington

• Matthew T. McCrudden, Victoria University of Wellington